There is a reason why we talk of the church and state as if they were polar opposites and why there is an ongoing discussion over which institution has the greater right when it comes to education and the nature of morality. In our hearts we know there is a conflict between them even if we may not understand it in our heads. However, in this regard atheists tend to be far more aware of the incompatibility of church and state than Christians. The latter seem always hopeful for some kind of reconciliation or negotiated settlement. Atheists seem well aware that the two are incompatible and ultimately what the two sides are engaged in, is a fight to the death.
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